Will Patriots S Kevin Byard earn second straight All-Pro nod in 2026?

Does another All-Pro season lie ahead for New England Patriots safety Kevin Byard in 2026? Byard was named a first-team All-Pro honoree in 2025 as a member of the Chicago Bears before signing with the Patriots in free agency. He earned the third All-Pro nod of his career last season, all of which have been first-team honors.

The 32-year-old led the NFL in interceptions in 2025 with seven. Byard is set to play for a Patriots team that put former safety Jaylinn Hawkins in a position to record four interceptions last season. New England’s secondary is filled with talent at all four slots to support Byard in the defensive backfield.

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez will offer Byard a former All-Pro cover corner who is excellent at shadowing opponents’ No. 1 receivers. Former Super Bowl champion corner Carlton Davis III and safety Craig Woodson play with good instincts, with Woodson serving as an ideal complement for Byard in New England’s last line of defense.

Cornerback Marcus Jones will also help make life easier for Byard in 2026. Byard will get the chance to put up numbers in New England next season playing under coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr. The Patriots reached the Super Bowl at the end of last season with one of the best defenses in the league.